Why military recruitment is giving Ulinzi Stars head coach his 'biggest problem'

Ulinzi Stars head coach Danstun Nyaudo is hoping that the upcoming Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment does not strip his squad of key players just as the new season gathers momentum.

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The gaffer says he is praying the recruitment exercise comes at a time that will allow the team to prepare and replace any players drafted into military duty.

“My biggest problem now is that we are recruiting, and I am going to lose a number of players.

I am praying that when that time comes, it will be towards the end of the first leg, so we can immediately add new players to replace those who will be recruited.

Otherwise, I feel that we have very good depth to take us throughout the season,” Nyaudo told Capital Sports.

Nyaudo has been busy reshaping Ulinzi Stars, focusing on a youthful, hungry squad that he believes will propel the 2010 FKF Premier League champions back to glory.

“The depth is there in almost every position. We don’t have big problems in terms of our depth, and I think we will manage it,” he added.

Ulinzi endured a frustrating 2024/25 campaign, finishing 12th on the log with 38 points from eight wins, 14 draws and 12 defeats. But they have shown promising signs in the new season, collecting four points from their opening two matches.

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The Soldiers began their campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 win away to Murang’a Seal at the St. Sebastian Arena before grinding out a goalless draw against Kariobangi Sharks at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Wednesday evening.

Nyaudo credited the positive start to smart business in the transfer window and maintaining most of his core squad from last season.

"I was building from somewhere. When you have the foundation, finishing your house is a little bit easier. From last season, I have only lost three players, Lumumba (Issa), Yakheen (Muteheli) and Emuria (Issa).

I did not have that much difficulty signing, and I also wanted sharp offensive players,” he said.

One of his new signings, striker Paul Okoth, has already made an impact.

The forward scored the winner in the season opener against Murang’a Seal and was a constant threat against his former club, Kariobangi Sharks.

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“He was at Kariobangi Sharks when he was young. They know him very well, and actually, before the match, the coach (William Muluya) told me that he was the one they were going to play.

You could see from the start of the match that they were always on him. He created two penalties… clear penalties that were denied,” Nyaudo revealed.

The coach believes the team’s attacking edge will sharpen as the players gel further.

“This is a growing team full of young players, and anytime you have such a team, you will always experience those instances where they are not converting their chances well.

I was looking for a striker last season and I think I have a good one now,” he said confidently.